Man banned from play area after alleged incident in Dungannon

A 52-year-old man has appeared in court in relation to an incident in a public park during which a number of children and staff on a school trip were forced to run to their minibus for safety.

Ahmed Khalef, from Lambfield Meadows, Dungannon, is accused of assaulting two pupils as well as using disorderly behaviour.

The offences are alleged to have occurred in Dungannon Park on April 10.

A police officer told Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.

District Judge Francis Rafferty set bail at £250 but warned Khalef to have no contact with any alleged injured parties or witnesses.

He also banned him from entering the ground or premises of The Howard Primary School in Moygashel and the children’s play area of Dungannon Park.

The case will return to court later this month when Khalef is to indicate how he intends to plead.

While the details of the incident were not formally disclosed during the hearing, the PSNI previously confirmed officers attended a report around 11am on the day in question, where a man had allegedly assaulted two children by pushing them.

It emerged a number of pupils from The Howard Memorial Primary School were on an outing to the park.

In the aftermath the school’s principal, Phylis McWilliams said, “The safety of our pupils is our top priority. While I cannot comment on an ongoing police investigation, I wish to reassure parents that we have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The school is continuing to receive support from both the Education Authority and PSNI.”

It was later confirmed by PSNI that a male had been arrested, charged and released on bail to appear in court.